Activist Chiratchaya Sakunthong sentenced to prison for royal defamation and contempt of court after online posts during protests.
Chiratchaya “Ginny” Sakunthong, a 56-year-old political activist, has been sentenced to two years in prison without suspension for royal defamation following a livestreamed protest on Facebook in 2022.
The Charges and Arrest
The activist was charged with royal defamation and violating the Computer Crime Act for her participation in a 25 July 2022 protest, during which she livestreamed on Facebook. Her arrest on 12 July 2023 came without prior summons, with police confiscating her electronic devices.
The complaint was filed by Rapeepong Chaiyarat, a member of the ultra-royalist group People’s Centre to Protect the Monarchy, who has a history of filing defamation complaints against pro-democracy activists. In this case, Chiratchaya was accused of insulting the King, allegations she denied.
Her lawyer argued that the case lacked credible evidence, as it was based on comments from an inquiry officer without thorough court examination. Despite these claims, the charges proceeded.
Court Verdict and Sentencing
On Wednesday, the court sentenced Chiratchaya to four years in prison, later reduced to two years due to her guilty plea. The court refused to suspend the sentence, citing damage to the King’s reputation caused by her actions.
Chiratchaya has faced additional charges previously. She was sentenced to one year in prison for contempt of court after giving a speech in front of the South Bangkok Criminal Court on 15 July 2022, demanding bail for detained activists. Another six-month sentence was issued for a similar speech on 1 August 2022.
Cumulative Prison Sentence
With the three sentences running consecutively, Chiratchaya now faces a total of three years and six months in prison. Her bail request has been denied, and she is currently detained at the Central Women Correctional Institution.
Implications of the Royal Defamation Case
The royal defamation case against Chiratchaya highlights the continued use of strict laws to target political activists in Thailand. Her sentencing underscores the risks faced by individuals participating in pro-democracy protests and engaging in political dissent, particularly online.
Conclusion
Chiratchaya’s case serves as a significant example of the Thai government’s stance on royal defamation and its impact on free speech. As she remains in detention, debates surrounding the application of these laws and their consequences for activism continue to spark public attention.